Kenai River fishing lodge, guides kenai river fishing trips for Salmon and Trout.

Phone: 1-800-478-1789
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Your Hosts

Jim and Elaine Hanson have been the hosts at Denise Lake Lodge since 1989. They have been residents of Alaska since 1984 and have much experience fishing and hunting throughout the Kenai peninsula and the state. Their warmth and friendly manner creates a relaxed atmosphere at Denise Lake Lodge.

The Kenai Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas in Alaska. The beauty of the peninsula is enhanced by the mountain glaciers, lakes, steams, and volcanoes. At certain times of the year, while touring the old town of Kenai, you might see some Beluga Whales come into the mouth of the Kenai River.

The Peninsula offers a multitude of activities such as world-class fishing, spectacular photography and sight-seeing, hiking and backpacking, swimming, golf, beachcombing, gold panning and excellent clam digging. Winter activities also include cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling and much more.

Soldotna, Alaska. A place for all seasons....

Located just 147 miles via paved scenic highway from Anchorage in south-central Alaska, Soldotna is adjacent to portions of the famed Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, which contains nearly 2 million acres of pristine wilderness. The refuge and nearby state park lands are home to Moose, Caribou, Brown and Black Bear, Wolves, Dall Sheep, Mountain Goats, Bald Eagles, Swans, a wide variety of Ducks and Geese and other wildlife. Moose are often seen at the lodge and wander right downtown, and Bald Eagles are commonly sighted.

The Kenai River

The world famous Kenai River is a major attraction to the Soldotna area. This glacier-fed river and its many tributaries and lakes are known world-wide for excellent fishing for all varieties of salmon, large rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and grayling. The Kenai River has two runs of King Salmon each year and the sport-fishing world-record King Salmon was caught on the Kenai River weighing over 97 pounds!

Kenai River Fishing Lodge

Denise Lake Lodge is located on the Kenai Peninsula near the town of Soldotna nestled in a setting of white birch trees and overlooking picturesque Denise Lake. The quiet, friendly and relaxed atmosphere at the lodge creates a warm setting for our guests to experience the best of Alaska. Our warm and comfortable Lodge offers deluxe rooms in the Lodge, which can accommodate from two to four people. In addition, we have adjacent cabins which accommodate from two to eight people.

Breakfast is served in the spacious dinning room overlooking Denise Lake. Then, in the evening, you can relax in our large log lounge room, with a fireplace and a 52 inch big screen TV, to visit and share your exciting stories of the day.

Each of our five lodge rooms has a private bathroom, T.V. and a refrigerator. The Lodge also has a deluxe suite on top looking out over Denise Lake with a full kitchen, living room, satellite TV. The suite's master bedroom has a private bath with Jacuzzi, and there are two outside decks with a grill.

Adjacent to the Lodge, we have four cabins that sleep two to three people, each with private bath, TV, refrigerator and deck looking over the lake. Additionally, we have a large two-story cabin. The ground-level has two bedrooms that sleep four to six people and a large bathroom; it also has a small kitchen, TV. The upper level has three bedrooms that sleep up to 8 people with a large bathroom, kitchen TV and a deck overlooking the lake. The lodge is a no smoking environment inside the buildings; smoking is allowed outside and under the covered deck where there is a grill for your use.

Our Lodge has a coin operated washer & dryer for your convenience, as well as an exercise room. Enjoy a walk or hike on the road, where you might see a moose or two. A small boat is available to row around the lake and life jackets are provided and required. However, a waiver must be signed because there is no life guard on the premises. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. There is a guest phone located in the lounge area for your use; we also have a computer with high-speed Internet for you to check your e-mail.

Kenai River King Salmon Fishing

The King fishing on the Kenai is from May through the end of July, where it is not uncommon to land yourself a King 60 lbs or over. Our guides also use drit boats to assure you of a very peaceful and highly productive trip down the beautiful glacial river. We also have drift boat fishing for Kings available on the Kasilof River during this time. The average fish caught on this river is 25 lbs. This river is also great for those who enjoy bank fishing.

Sockeye and Silver Salmon Fishing

Kings are not the only fish in the local rivers. The Sockeye runs can be in full swing from June through August. The limit on the fish is usually 6 fish per day. when the Sockeye enter the river in good numbers, the action gets hot and Silver runs start in August and lasts through the end of September. These fish make awesome runs and are great leapers. Fly-out for all species of salmon and trout are available.

Fly Out Fishing

Denise Lake Lodge offers daily fly-outs for King, Sockeye and Silver Salmon. Join us for the trip of a lifetime on your flight across Cook Inlet in either a Twin Otter or Beaver on floats. Experience breathtaking scenery, fabulous fishing and occasionally fishing alongside Brown Bears.

Kenai River Trout Fishing

We begin fishing for huge Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden on June 15th. Most Rainbows and Dollies average 3 lbs with fish in the 8-12 lb range. We use spin gear or light weight fishing rods. Trips are available on the Upper Kenai River fishing in the comfort of a drift boat. We also fish many of the Kenai Peninsula's lakes and streams.

We look forward to your stay with us and an experience of a lifetime!

Your hosts, Jim and Elaine